Dynamo Front Office
The Dynamo organization includes many tireless individuals who do not affect the on-field action on gamedays but take great pride in bringing fans great game-day experiences all season long. Read below to learn a little about the members of the Dynamo front office staff.
| Administration | Communications | Customer Service |
| Dynamo Charities | Marketing | Operations |
| Sponsorship / Partnership Activation | Ticketing | Youth Development |
Chris Canetti - President of Business Operations
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: Guilford, CT
College: Quinnipiac University
Coolest Desk Item: Pictures of my daughters
Favorite Movie: Jerry Maguire
Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld
Favorite Band: Billy Joel
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2007 Western Conference final vs. Kansas City
About Me: I enjoy my job with the Dynamo and being part of Major League Soccer, and I spend almost all of my free time with my family, enjoying each and every moment.
Expanded bio
Steven Powell - Executive Vice President
Dynamo debut : 2006
Hometown: London England
Favorite TV Show: Dragons Den - BBC America
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Every game that was a sell-out
Expanded bio
David Tagliarino - Senior Vice President
Dynamo debut: February 2012
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: Picture of my family
Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams
Favorite Book: Heaven is Real
Favorite Band: U2 and Coldplay
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Coming soon
About Me: When not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Expanded bio
ADMINISTRATION
Nancy De La Garza - Office Manager
Dynamo debut : 2006
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: MTI
Coolest Desk Item: Minnie
Favorite Movie: Fire Proof
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Band: MercyMe
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2007 MLS Cup
About Me: I am a very positive person and a team player. I LOVE my job.
Stephanie Gonzalez - Executive Assistant
Dynamo debut : 2008
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
College: Houston Baptist University
Coolest Desk Item: The two randomly abandoned soccer balls
Favorite Movie: Home Alone 1&2, Love Actually and Anchorman
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family, Friends, The Office
Favorite Band: The Beatles
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2010 MLS All-Star game in Houston - 72,000 people in attendance! Also, seeing all of the fans travel to Los Angeles for the 2011 MLS Cup final to cheer on the Dynamo.
About Me: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Georgia York - Office Assistant
Dynamo debut:
Hometown:
College:
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COMMUNICATIONS
Lester Gretsch - Senior Director, Communications and Broadcasting
Dynamo debut : 2006
Hometown: Turrialba, Costa Rica
College: Grand Canyon University (Phoenix AZ)
Coolest Desk Item: My two MLS Cup championship medals and some White House memorabilia
Favorite Movie: Star Wars trilogies
Favorite TV Show: Anything on National Geographic or the Discovery Channel
Favorite Band: Most Spanish pop is good. I also enjoy classical music
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Both MLS Cup championships
About Me: I can be intense at times, but I am normally pretty chill. I like to have fun and lots of laughs with my friends and colleagues
Matt Pedersen - Communications Manager / Radio Broadcaster
Dynamo debut : 2012
Hometown: Dublin, CA
College: San Francisco State University
Coolest Desk Item: Throwback folding headphones
Favorite Movie: Dumb & Dumber
Favorite TV Show: The Office (original BBC version), Parks & Recreation, Seinfeld
Favorite Band: Bob Dylan at the moment
Favorite Dynamo Moment: I expect May 12 to be an amazing experience
About Me: I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended the final Earthquakes game in San Jose in 2005. I spent the last several years in Minor League Baseball, with stops in Salem-Keizer (Oregon), San Bernardino and Savannah. I am a fan of the Dynamo, San Francisco Giants, 49ers and Sharks.
Jonathan Kaplan - Senior Content Producer
Dynamo debut : 2010
Hometown: Lynbrook, NY
College: University of Richmond
Coolest Desk Item: Dynamo yarmulke
Favorite Movie: The Lion King
Favorite TV Show: LOST, Friday Night Lights and Modern Family among many
Favorite Band: Garth Brooks or Billy Joel
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Heading to Corpus Christi for the Ryan-Sanders Shootout and seeing a select group of staff pull off a tremendous event.
About Me: I was a three-sport athlete in high school: soccer, bowling, and tennis. I spent six months on the varsity football team in college as a kicker but rarely kicked the ball over my own offensive line. I love visiting other countries and hope to one day be fluent in Spanish and Hebrew.
Paul Woo - Multimedia Coordinator
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: El Paso, TX
College: University of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: A little Batman figurine
Favorite Movie: Anything Batman or Star Trek or anything that has awesome visual graphics
Favorite TV Show: Since becoming a new homeowner, whatever is on HGTV as of late. But I do love to get a dose of Friends or any of the Star Trek series.
Favorite Band: Matt Wertz, Dave Barnes, David Crowder Band
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Alex Dixon’s game-winning goal against Real Salt Lake. It was awesome to see the team have to come back from behind twice and add a game winning goal for the icing on the cake. The stadium went ridiculously crazy. WOO HOO!
About Me: I love movies. I like to sit there and analyze them at times, figuring out how scenes were shot or how visual effects were done and try to apply that here. I’m an avid sports fan and support all Houston teams, although I do root for them Cowboys (yes, I am one of those guys). And if you can’t tell, I’m a huge Batman and Star Trek fan. They are both awesome. True story.
Anthony Vasser - Multimedia Assistant / Team Photographer
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Plano, TX
College: Texas A&M
Coolest Desk Item: Piles of camera equipment
Favorite Movie: Short Circuit
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family
Favorite Band: Harry James
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Alex Dixon putting in a goal from distance for the win over RSL in the 93rd minute
About Me: Living life at 29.97fps
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Travis Watkins - Senior Director, Ticket & Premium Services
Dynamo debut : 2006
Hometown: Hazelton, ID
College: University of Idaho
Coolest Desk Item: Picture as a fighter pilot, call sign Cupcake
Favorite Movie: Chariots of Fire
Favorite TV Show: SpongeBob SquarePants
Favorite Band: 98 Degrees
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2006 MLS Cup championship
About Me: My days hoeing sugar beets in Idaho prepared me for the challenges of working in the Dynamo front office and maintaining my collection of Idaho potatoes.
Abbie Kaucher - Manager, Premium Services
Dynamo debut : February 2012
Hometown: Villanova, PA
College: University of Connecticut (Home of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball champions!)
Coolest Desk Item: UConn Huskies road sign
Favorite Movie: Glory Road
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family
Favorite Band: The Script
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Being hired onto the Houston Dynamo staff to help with the opening of the new stadium. It's a very exciting time for the organization and the city of Houston, and I'm proud to be a part of it!
About Me: I have been involved with athletics throughout my entire life, and have been fortunate enough to turn my greatest pastime into my professional career working for the Houston Dynamo. As an avid runner, I have completed six marathons with the 2011 New York City Marathon as my most recent accomplishment.
Tiffani Simmons - Senior Customer Service Specialist
Dynamo debut : 2008
Hometown: Ruston, LA
College: Louisiana State University
Coolest Desk Item: My coveted candy bowl
Favorite Movie: "Coming to America"
Favorite TV Show: Family Guy, Martin, Grey's Anatomy, Modern Family, The Office, Friends, Saved by the Bell, 90210 (original) and all reality shows!
Favorite Band: I don't have a favorite band. I love everything except country and heavy metal.
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Becoming full-time and meeting my season ticket holders
About Me: I'm a country girl with a passion for food, sports, and all things funny-which means I'm pretty great! : )
Randi Goodrich - Customer Service Specialist
Dynamo debut : 2011
Hometown: League City, TX
College: Oklahoma State University (Go Pokes!)
Coolest Desk Item: My scentsy pot
Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing
Favorite TV Show: Anything on the Food Network - except Iron Chef (LAME!)
Favorite Band: It depends on my mood - Kings of Leon, Randy Rogers, or The Eli Young Band-Indecisive much?
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Being a part of the beginning stages of opening the new Dynamo Stadium-the excitement level is constantly building.
About Me: I'm a girl from the big city who loves to get lost in the country. From shopping, to cooking a 4 course meal, all the way to sports and hunting, I have a passion for life and everything in it!
Celina Peña - Customer Service Specialist
Dynamo debut : 2012
Hometown: Laredo, TX
College: University of Houston - Conrad N. Hilton College
Coolest Desk Item: Rubber band soccer ball and glass owl given to me when I started!
Favorite Movie: Top 5 in no particular order; Man on Fire, My Cousin Vinny, Parent Trap (original), Bridesmaids and Pride and Prejudice.
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family, Once Upon a Time, Sopranos, Arrested Development and of course Sex in the City
Favorite Band: Reik, Mana, Dave Mathews, Pink, Kings of Leon and Garth Brooks
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Receiving my offer letter, but thinking May 12, 2012 Opening Day is going to match that.
About Me: My first memory of soccer is watching the World Cup on TV in Acapulco, Mexico when I was 15 with my family. I fell in love with soccer with the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan. I remember waking up at two o’clock in the morning, ready to watch the live games and screaming at the TV gooooal! I enjoy hanging out with friends and family and if I am not out running, dancing, hanging out with friends I am probably cooking up a storm in the kitchen. I also love to go camping and never say no to an adventure! I hope I get to meet you at the next Dynamo game!
Kimberly Sutton - Customer Service Specialist
Dynamo debut : March 2012
Hometown: Burleson, TX
College: Rice University (Sid Rich College)
Coolest Desk Item: TBD
Favorite Movie: The Rock, She's the Man, and Nacho Libre
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation and The Office
Favorite Band: Daddy Yankee
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Receiving my official offer letter!
About Me: I grew up playing soccer and I love my new job working in MLS. I like to hang out with my friends and joke around with my sister. I am an upbeat person who loves to have fun and I'm always smiling!
DYNAMO CHARITIES
Lori Ginsburg - Director, Dynamo Charities
Dynamo debut: August 2008
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
College: LSU
Coolest Desk Item: My Whatever clock
Favorite Movie: The Way We Were
Favorite TV Show: Bewitched
Favorite Band: Heart
Favorite Dynamo Moment: When you meet me, you will know!!
MARKETING
Jon Schuller - Director, Marketing
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Holdrege, NE
College: University of Nebraska
Coolest Desk Item: Autographed Ichiro baseball
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite TV Show: Dynamo Weekly
Favorite Band: U2
Favorite Dynamo Moment: TBD
About Me: TBD
Maria Duran - Hispanic Marketing Manager
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador; Pasadena, TX
College: University of Houston – Go Coogs!!!
Coolest Desk Item: Picture with President George H.W. Bush holding the MLS Cups
Favorite Movie: Jungle Book - Disney movie
Favorite TV Show: anything Kardashians
Favorite Band: Mana
Favorite Dynamo Moment: MLS Cup 2006 – I had never been so nervous, excited and anxious at once, but as soon as Onstad caught that ball and we won, the feeling was amazing. Being able to run on the field and celebrate with your co-workers and team was great and so unbelievable! Even the sky was orange that day.
About Me: Graduated from UH, went on to work with many different companies, including MTV and Univision before landing this gig. Love this town, love soccer and love the company, glad to be working with the Houston Dynamo.
John Dabkowski - Marketing Manager
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Southlake, Texas (Born in Sittingbourne, England)
College: Indiana University
Coolest Desk Item: Dynamo Stadium License Plate Frame
Favorite Movie: Old School
Favorite TV Show: Mad Men and Friday Night Lights
Favorite Band: Dave Matthews Band
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Alex Dixon’s injury time winner vs. Real Salt Lake was a great start. But, ask me again in May 2012.
About Me: I was born in England, moved to Texas when I was 10 years old. My dad is from Melbourne, Australia. In 2010 I became a U.S. citizen, so now I’m a citizen of England, Australia and the USA.
Leslie Lopez - Design Manager
Dynamo debut: 2007
Hometown: Mérida, Yucatán, México
College: The Art Institute of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: A picture of Borat and two post-it notes from Stuart Holden
Favorite Movie: Amélie
Favorite TV Show: Dexter, The Office, Flight of the Conchords, Modern Family, True Blood, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad ... to name a few.
Favorite Band: Currently: Lana Del Rey, M83, and Two Door Cinema Club. All-time: Queen, Mana, and Fleet Foxes
Favorite Dynamo Moment: May 12, 2012 (I can see into the future)
About Me: I’m a Mex-ster (Mexican hipster) - this phrase was coined by Adrian Moses.
Juan Loya - Graphic Designer
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Houston - Clear Lake
Coolest Desk Item: At the moment I have a seriously cool stack of post-it notes, but this is subject to change.
Favorite Movie: This is Spinal Tap, Bottle Rocket, The Big Lebowski or anything by the Coen Brothers
Favorite TV Show: Community, Doctor Who, The IT Crowd
Favorite Band: The Roots, Spoon, Radiohead
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Houston Dynamo vs. Chivas USA, my first game
About Me: Huge nerd about graphic design, sci-fi, and game shows. Really excited to be a part of this great team and organization!
Tyler Moyer - Grassroots Marketing Coordinator
Dynamo debut: 2007 via trade from the Houston Rockets
Hometown: Chicago, IL
College: University of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: A limited edition Moochie Norris Celebriduck
Favorite Movie: Snatch
Favorite TV Show: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report
Favorite Band: Foo Fighters
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2007 Houston Dynamo MLS Playoffs
About Me: Just a fun loving guy
Melissa Marron - Marketing Coordinator
Dynamo debut: 2009
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Houston - Downtown "Go Gators!"
Coolest Desk Item: My orange folders I bought for a penny each!
Favorite Movie: Toy Story, Dumb and Dumber, Fun with Dick and Jane and more :)
Favorite TV Show: Saved by the Bell and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Favorite Band: Incubus plus a lot more!
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2010 All-Star Week
About Me: I love my life!
Dynamo Diesel - Team Mascot
Dynamo debut : 2007
Hometown: H-Town
College: It’s true that foxes are very smart, but I’m only 6 years old. It’s a little early to ask me about college.
Coolest Desk Item: That would have to be my special keyboard with over-sized buttons. It’s not easy to type with giant paws, ya know.
Favorite Movie: I think the Fox and Hound is a great movie. It doesn’t hurt that Todd the Fox is my cousin either.
Favorite TV Show: If I’m not watching a Dynamo away game, Dynamo Weekly, Dynamo Insider, or Dynamo Rewind on Channel 11.2, then you’ll find me outside playing.
Favorite Band: "Who? Houston Dynamo! Who? Houston Dynamo!" I love to hear Mike Jones rapping about "Fans love to see that Fox Steppin Out!"
Favorite Dynamo Moment: It would have to be the goal that tied New England in the 2007 MLS Cup. When New England scored first it was intense. When the Dynamo answered right back to tie, I knew we were going to be champions again!
About Me: I love going to the Houston Zoo to hang out with my friends. Who knows, maybe those foxes want to become Dynamo season ticket holders?
OPERATIONS
Frank Arnold - Senior Manager, Operations
Dynamo debut: 2007
Hometown: San Pedro, CA
College: Rice University
Coolest Desk Item: Plush ita Trinita Mascot
Favorite Movie: Enemy at the Gates
Favorite TV Show: Eureka, BSG, Warehouse 13
Favorite Band: Ratatat, Arctic Monkeys, The Streets, Bad Religion
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2007 Western Conference final and 2011 Eastern Conference Final
Chris Thompson - Operations Manager, Houston Amateur Sports Park
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Bulverde, TX
College: Texas State University (Undergrad - Exercise and Sport Science) and University of Arkansas (Grad - Sport Management)
Coolest Desk Item: The park is my desk
Favorite Movie: Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Crash, Green Street Hooligans
Favorite TV Show: Dexter
Favorite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Collective Soul, One Republic
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Team stepping foot within their new training facility at the Methodist Champions Field
About me: I'm a sports junkie with a love for competition. My hobbies include exercise and watersports, and professional sports is a dream come true. FOREVER ORANGE!
Adrian Moses - Soccer Programs Manager
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Reigate, UK
College: St. Mary's University College, Twickenham, UK
Favorite Movie: Quadrophenia
Favorite TV Show: It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite Band: The Jam, Cut Copy
Favorite Dynamo Moment: My first experience of a Dynamo gameday, July 31, 2010 against New York.
About Me: Working within soccer has always been an ambition of mine. It is my goal to continue my own soccer education and pass on my enthusiasm and knowledge of the game to others. With each player that the Houston Dynamo comes in contact with, we have an opportunity to set challenging goals, make immediate impacts and set a foundation for success in the future. Before working with the Dynamo, I spent 8 years in New Jersey working for MetroStars/Red Bull New York, firstly as a coach, then as Manager of Youth Training Programs. I have no family in the U.S. other than the good friends I’ve made. My mum and dad still live at home, with my 2 older brothers living close by and I have an older sister who lives in Scotland.
Justin Neese - Soccer Programs Assistant Manager
Dynamo debut: 2012
Hometown:
College:
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Sam Longoria - Coordinator, Operations
Dynamo debut: 2012
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: Sam Houston State University
Coolest Desk Item: Picture of my daughter
Favorite Movie: Major League
Favorite TV Show: Everybody Loves Raymond and SportsCenter
Favorite Band: The Mars Volta and most classic rock
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2011 MLS Cup viewing party at Bar Munich. The atmosphere and support for the club was amazing.
About me: I love playing all kinds of recreational sports and recently picked up disc golf. Having the opportunity to work for a sports organization in the city where I'm from makes me pretty luck. I am excited to be working for the Dynamo, as many new things are beginning to take shape with this organization and sport. I am married to a wonderful wife and we have a beautiful daughter.
SPONSORSHIP / PARTNERSHIP ACTIVATION
Bryan Kraham - Senior Director, Corporate Development
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: Chatham, NY (home of the Panthers)
College: Ithaca College Bombers
Coolest Desk Item: Pictures of my family
Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams
Favorite TV Show: Whatever my wife is watching (do we men really have a choice?)
Favorite Band: David Grey (well he is not a band, but the front man)
Favorite Dynamo Moment: It has to be the cups
About Me: Proud parent of two beautiful children and proud husband to the best wife and mom in the world. I was born in Darmstadt, Germany, and raised in little Chatham, NY. I majored in sports management and played baseball at Ithaca College. I speak English and Spanish and am trying to learn German. I have traveled to 13 countries, many of them multiple times. I enjoy all kinds of sports, from motocross to golf.
Kristen Gambetta - Director, Partnership Activation
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: Sarasota, FL (also known as paradise)
College: Rice University, Go Owls!
Coolest Desk Item: Paper mache camel from Egypt
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Band: Justin Timberlake
Favorite Dynamo Moment: I got chills standing on the field pre-game for the Western Conference championship in 2006. The entire crowd was on their feet, waving their rally towels as the team took the field. That moment set the tone for the Dynamo playoffs for years to come.
About Me: I grew up around sports, starting as a baby when my dad was a track coach and would bring me to his practices. I ran in my first race in first grade and I started playing soccer during lunch with the boys in fourth grade, when I immediately fell in love with the game. I played through my sophomore year of college at Rice University before I switched back to my original love, track and field. My love for the game brought me back to Houston to work for the Dynamo and into coaching a wonderful group of girls locally.
Kirk Goodman - Senior Account Executive, Corporate Development
Dynamo debut: February 2012
Hometown: Wyalusing, Pennsylvania
College: Ithaca College
Coolest Desk Item: Pictures of my father
Favorite Movie: Rock Star
Favorite TV Show: The Shield and Sons of Anarchy
Favorite Band: Harry Connick Jr.
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Too new to have one, but this first season at BBVA Compass Stadium will provide TONS
About Me: After 16 years in Minor League Baseball, most recently running the Single-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, I have made a highly-desired move to Major League Soccer to start a brand new career path.
Linda Pinsent - Manager, Partnership Activation
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Lenaxa, KS
College: Kansas State University
Coolest Desk Item: A vase filled with orange and white stones that my sister sent me on my first day of work here.
Favorite Movie: The Blind Side
Favorite TV Show: SportsCenter
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Winning out last regular season game at Robertson Stadium.
About Me: I started volunteering in the K-State football office the summer before I graduated and fell in love with the pace of working in sports. I enjoy being part of something that so many people are so passionate about and feel lucky to be one of those people who can honestly say that I love my job.
Aditya "Diddy" Saini - Senior Coordinator, Partnership Activation
Dynamo debut: 2007
Hometown: Ahmedabad, India
College: University of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: World Globe
Favorite Movie: Cool Runnings
Favorite TV Show: Top Gear
Favorite Band: Jay-Z
Favorite Dynamo Moment: From every game to every event...everything.
About Me: When I was growing up in India, for years the only entertainment I had was a soccer ball that was sewn together by the local seamstress. From the promise lands to the far corners of the world, we all speak football (soccer). Come out to any of our events or to a game to see what I mean. They also call me Dj A.Diddy...I put on for my city!
Marc Vasquez - Partnership Activation Coordinator
Dynamo debut: February 2012
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: Saint Louis University
Coolest Desk Item: My very first graphic design request I made as an intern; It's quite the masterpiece.
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family and Criminal Minds
Favorite Band: Radiohead and Phantogram
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Getting hired full-time the same day that Brian Ching joined the team again for the 2012 season
About Me: Ever since my junior year of college I knew I wanted to work in sports. From the moment I joined the Dynamo, I instantly fell in love with the organization. My biggest passion is cycling so you will probably see me on the road at some point!
TICKETING
Marcus Madlock - Director, Ticket Sales, (713) 276-7501
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Dallas, TX
College: Texas A&M
Coolest Desk Item: Yellow Cab stress ball (shaped like a car)
Favorite Movie: Boiler Room
Favorite TV Show: The Boondocks
Favorite Band: The Roots
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Receiving an offer letter to become a part of the one the best teams in MLS
About Me: I love being outside and taking in fresh air and the sunshine; whether that’s 18 holes on the links or at a sporting event. I also consider myself an easy going southern gent that enjoys fast cars, all genres of music (hip-hop is my favorite) and reading from time to time. Most importantly I am passionate about encouraging others in becoming the best they can be!
Mike Mondello - Assistant Director, Ticket Sales, (713) 276-7591
Dynamo debut: 2012
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
College: St. John's University
Coolest Desk Item: Picture of my kids
Favorite Movie: Roadhouse and Tommy
Favorite TV Show: Blue Bloods and Big Bang Theory
Favorite Band: The Who and Pearl Jam
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Going to my first Dynamo game and sitting with my wife in field seats. The Dynamo beat Philadelphia in a playoff game to advance to the Eastern Conference final.
About Me: I am married to the best wife on the planet and have been blessed with three wonderful children. I enjoy all sports, especially hockey and soccer. I am a huge NJ Devils, NY Mets and NY Giants fan. After spending 10 great years with the MetroStars/Red Bulls I decided it was time for a change. I’m truly excited to start my new life in Houston and to help the Dynamo become the preeminent franchise in MLS.
Stephanie Briscoe - Manager, Ticket Operations
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Boling, TX
College: University of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: Custom koozie for my Germ-X bottle
Favorite Movie: Finding Nemo
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family and Game of Thrones
Favorite Band: Enrique Iglesias
Favorite Dynamo Moment Playoff run to the 2011 MLS Cup.
About Me: I love sports, concerts, cooking, spending time with my husband, Adam, daughter, Isabel, and my family and friends.
Brian Kozel - Assistant Manager, Ticket Sales, (713) 276-7527
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: Texas A&M University
Coolest Desk Item: My white AEG hardhat that I received on my first day
Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption, Step Brothers and Apollo 13
Favorite TV Show: The Big Bang Theory, The Amazing Race and Modern Family
Favorite Band: Randy Rogers Band
Favorite Dynamo Moment: As one of seven original Dynamo front office members remaining, seeing ground being broken on the new stadium is something I will always remember. Also, being a part of 2 MLS Cup Championships and being recognized by the league as one of the best in ticket sales in 2010 and 2011 are very special moments.
About Me: I am a Houston native and love to see all of my teams do well. I have been very fortunate to be a part of a great team in my hometown and cannot wait to see the first game played in BBVA Compass Stadium. I love anything having to do with American history. Before joining the Dynamo in 2006, I was a teaching golf professional. I still love to play and try to get out as much as I can and still love to teach the game of golf and if you must know, I am a Titleist guy.
Vanessa Meeks - Assistant Manager, Ticket Sales, (713) 276-7515
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: Mexico
College: Monterrey Tech
Coolest Desk Item: Pictures of the closest people in my life
Favorite Movie: Grease 1 and 2, The Proposal and every movie with Sandra Bullock or Jennifer Lopez
Favorite TV Show: King of Queens, House Hunters International
Favorite Band: U2
Favorite Dynamo Moment: When I was recognized in the MLS Best XI in sales in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Also, the two championships we won and being part of the groundbreaking for the new stadium.
About Me: I consider myself very competitive, a very hard-working person, and I love my job very much. My family is my life, especially my Mom. She is my idol and would do anything for them. I am very giving, loving, and appreciate a sincere and good friend.
Mike Williams - Assistant Manager, Ticket Sales, (713) 276-7529
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: Sweeny, TX
College: Sam Houston State University
Coolest Desk Item: Autographed Game Ball
Favorite Movie: Scarface
Favorite TV Show: Dave Chappelle Show
Favorite Band: Tupac
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Winning our second MLS Cup and being recognized in 2010 in all three ticket sales categories
About Me: I love working for the Houston Dynamo; the excitement is one of a kind. I also like to go to social events and enjoy life to the fullest. I’m a laid-back type of person with a funny personality. If you would like to know more, buy season seats, mini plans or group seats and ask for Mike Williams.
Matt Orlando - Account Executive, Ticket Sales, (713) 276-7507
Dynamo debut: 2009
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: My two Dynamo championship caps
Favorite Movie: Braveheart
Favorite TV Show: The Ultimate Fighter
Favorite Band: Better Than Ezra
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Watching them win a championship while I was in Amarillo.
About Me: I graduated college in 2002 with a broadcasting degree. I interned at ABC 13. I left home to be a news reporter for the NBC affiliates in Laredo and Amarillo. I joined the Kansas City Wizards ticket sales department in 2008. I made the move back home and here I am! I have a huge extended family here at home, and I have to say hello to all my St. Pius Panthers. I love watching movies and going to concerts.
Reyna Gonzalez - Account Executive, Corporate Sales, (713) 276-7521
Dynamo debut: February 1, 2010
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: Baylor University, Sic'em Bears!
Coolest Desk Item: A glass from King John's Castle with an Irish stone engraved in the middle
Favorite Movie: I have a ton of favorites, but I have probably seen Step Up more times than any other movie.
Favorite TV Show: Charmed, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Suits
Favorite Band: Right Now, Lady Antebellum
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Watching the Dynamo win the 2011 Eastern Conference championship
About Me: I have had the opportunity to work in MLB, NFL and now MLS. I love supporting my sports teams. I enjoy organizing social events with friends. I don't enjoy writing bios about myself, so feel free to just give me a call!
Josh Givens - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7530
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
College: University of West Florida
Coolest Desk Item: ESN Sports Trivia Calendar
Favorite Movie: Gladiator
Favorite TV Show: Tosh.0
Favorite Band: Led Zeppelin
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Going to Kansas City and watching the Dynamo win the 2011 Eastern Conference Championship!
About Me: Both of my brothers are active duty in the US Army and currently deployed in Afghanistan, so be sure you support our troops! I grew up on Florida’s Emerald Coast and I am an all around Sportsaholic who watches and plays whenever possible. If you are reading this to find someone reliable to assist you with your corporate or personal ticket needs stop reading, pick up your phone and call me today! Here’s my number so you don’t have to look back up 713-276-7530.
Meghan Slaughter - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7538
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Bellaire, TX
College: Texas A&M University
Coolest Desk Item: Baseball cell phone holder
Favorite Movie: Any Given Sunday
Favorite TV Show: Chelsea Lately
Favorite Band: Drake
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Getting hired
About Me: The gym is my mecca.
Aran Haven-O'Donnell - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7512
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
College: East Carolina University
Coolest Desk Item: My AEG hard hat in anticipation for the new stadium
Favorite Movie: Rocky IV
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Band: U2
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Taking out that team from Boston in back-to-back MLS Cups and painting Washington D.C. orange
About Me: My life is surrounded by soccer and I wouldn't want it to be any other way. Nothing makes me happier than to see full MLS stadiums. So give me a call so you can join in on the world's greatest sport.
Laith Yasiri - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7583
Dynamo debut: 2010
Hometown: Eden Prairie, Minnesota
College: University of Minnesota
Coolest Desk Item: Pictures of youth teams I have coached in the past
Favorite Movie: Office Space
Favorite TV Show: Premier League Review Show and An Idiot Abroad
Favorite Band: I enjoy all types of music
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Traveling to Kansas City to watch us win the 2011 Eastern Conference championship
About Me: I am a soccer fan and coach that has been lucky enough to find a career in the sport I enjoy. There is nothing like seeing a professional soccer game in person. I would be excited to set up your corporate or personal experience with the world’s game. I’ll see you next matchday!
Allison "AJ" O'Rourke - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7541
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Solana Beach, CA
College: University of California, Davis
Coolest Desk Item: Shamrock mardi gras beads
Favorite Movie: I Love You Man, Cool Runnings and Young Frankenstein
Favorite TV Show: Friends, SNL, Modern Family and New Girl
Favorite Band: Counting Crows, Sublime, The Beatles
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2011 Eastern Conference semifinal win over Sporting KC
About Me: Trying to bring California Love to the city of Houston!
Kendall Schoendienst - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7528
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Jacksonville Beach, Florida
College: Florida Gulf Coast University
Coolest Desk Item: A picture of my puppies and my Deutscher Fussball-Bund flag!
Favorite Movie: Football Factory
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Band: Kasabian and Oasis
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Beating Sporting Kansas City at LIVEstrong Sporting Park for the 2011 Eastern Conference Championship
About Me: I grew up surfing and playing soccer in
Geoff Adkinson - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7531
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Houston, TX
College: University of Texas - San Antonio
Coolest Desk Item: My stapeler
Favorite Movie: Coming to America, Harlem Nights, Office Space
Favorite TV Show: Entourage, Family Guy, SportsCenter, Boondocks, The Sopranos
Favorite Band: Lil Wayne, Drake, Lupe Fiasco, Eminem
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Alex Dixon's last-second goal against Real Salt Lake
About Me: A member of KAPPA ALPHA PSI Fraternity Inc. I’m very laid back, love sports and LOVE football!
Sean Sittnick - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7546
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Sherman, NY
College: Flagler College (St. Augustine, FL)
Coolest Desk Item: Dynamo beads, Shaq bobblehead
Favorite Movie: The Rock, Usual Suspects, Dirty Work
Favorite TV Show: Flight of the Conchords
Favorite Band: NERD, Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Watching Alex Dixon score a game winner in the 93rd minute of the first Dynamo game I ever attended live.
About Me: I am a former two-sport college athlete in basketball and baseball. I worked for the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves before joining MLS. I am a huge Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines fan but have never been in the state of Michigan. I don’t particularly like vegetables and I am afraid of birds. Give me a call for any of your corporate or personal ticketing needs or for some good stories.
Keith Malone - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7543
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Champaign, Illinois
College: Eastern Illinois University
Coolest Desk Item:Picture of my late mother Rhoda Malone reading to me as a small child.
Favorite Movie: With Honors. I was an extra in the movie!
Favorite TV Show: The Boondocks
Favorite Band: Raphael Saadiq
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Walking into the office on my first day on the job.
About Me: I worked with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Comets…and hosted former boxing champion Winky Wright at AutoZone Park while working with the Memphis Redbirds before a weigh-in (2006).
Scott Burleson - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7548
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Waco, TX
College: Baylor University
Coolest Desk Item: Photo journal from my trip to the 2006 World Cup in Germany
Favorite Movie: The Boondock Saints, Green Street Hooligans, Hoosiers and Rudy
Favorite TV Show: College Gameday, Sky Sports News and Fox Soccer Report
Favorite Band: Cartel, Angels & Airwaves, Mayday Parade and JET
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Being at Pizza Hut Park when Brian Ching scored the equalizer against New England in the 2006 MLS Cup Final, one of the craziest finishes to a Cup Final I’ve ever seen. It was an amazing scene with the thousands of Dynamo fans in the stands for that game. It was just an incredible experience.
About Me: I’m a huge soccer fan, growing up going to games and traveling all over the world to see games in England, Spain and Germany. I’m also a huge Baylor Athletics fan. I love going to concerts, skiing, watching sports and traveling. It has been a blast being a part of Major League Soccer and the momentum the league has right now. It’s an absolute blessing to be a part of this exciting time with the Houston Dynamo!
David Redd - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7550
Dynamo debut: 2011
Hometown: Seabrook, TX
College: Texas Tech University
Coolest Desk Item: My bible verse name card
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad
Favorite Band: I enjoy most music, but my favorite genre is R&B
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Cheering in the stands with my dad at the inaugural game in 2006 as we watched Brian Ching score four times in a 5-2 victory over Colorado.
About Me: Born on the beautiful island of Galveston and raised in the Houston suburb of Seabrook. Grew up playing all sports, but it was soccer that put the most miles on my parents’ mini-van. No, I didn’t make it as a professional soccer player, but I like to think I’m making it as a soccer professional, working for my hometown team.
Keil Austin - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7542
Dynamo debut: October 2011
Hometown: Kingwood, TX
College: Texas Tech and University of Houston
Coolest Desk Item: Mini American flag
Favorite Movie: Jaws, The Godfather and Shawshank Redemption
Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld, The Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm
Favorite Band: Led Zeppelin and The Beatles
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Traveling to LA for the 2011 MLS Cup
About Me: I’m a laid back guy that tries to enjoy life every day. I’m a sports junkie and love and support all my Houston teams. I love movies, attending concerts and sporting events and try to get on the golf course as much as possible.
David Gilchrist - Account Executive, Ticket Sales (713) 276-7585
Dynamo debut: 2012
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana
College: Indiana University
Coolest Desk Item: Petey the Penguin Magnet
Favorite Movie: Wedding Crashers, Inception and Dark Knight
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family
Favorite Band: Umphrey's McGee and Zac Brown Band
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Getting a tour of BBVA Compass Stadium for the first time!
About Me: I was born and raised in central Indiana. I graduated from Indiana University in 2010. Go Hoosiers! I previously worked for the Nashville Predators (NHL). Now, I'm working for the Dynamo (best team in the MLS), with the goal of helping create unique experiences and lasting memories for all of our fans! GO DYNAMO!
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
James Clarkson - Director, Youth Development
Dynamo debut: 2006
Hometown: Wisbech, England
College: NORCAT
Coolest Desk Item: Fan
Favorite Movie: Snatch
Favorite TV Show: Premier League Review Show
Favorite Band: The Jam
Favorite Dynamo Moment: When Francisco Navas Cobo made his debut with the Dynamo first team.
About Me: Click here for a full bio
Eddie Robinson - Assistant Director, Youth Development
Dynamo debut: Player: 2006; Front Office: 2012
Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina
College: UNC - Chapel Hill
Coolest Desk Item: Porcelin hand
Favorite Movie: Talladega Nights
Favorite Band: George Strait
Favorite Dynamo Moment: Either MLS Cup
About Me: If you want to stay on my good side, don't mess with my family or my food. I'm addicted to golf and I'm a video game geek. I am a greeter at my church and am desperately seeking a cure for hair loss
Michael Fasching - Youth Development Coordinator
Dynamo debut: 2009
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
College: Stephen F. Austin State University
Coolest Desk Item: Brian Ching and Stuart Holden bobbleheads
Favorite Movie: Dazed and Confused
Favorite TV Show: Pull (Fuel TV)
Favorite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Favorite Dynamo Moment: 2006 MLS Cup championship
About Me: I love soccer, and I’ve played my whole life. I now enjoy working with Houston’s elite youth soccer players in a professional organization. I love spending time with my family and friends. My other love is wakeskating, and I ride every chance I get.
